This original article was first published here: How To Have The Perfect Day For Yourself

Do you keep pushing yourself to do more and more, and do you feel guilty when you stop? If so, you’re not alone, but you might be causing yourself some health issues. It’s far better to take some time for yourself and relax than it is to keep going, but knowing that and doing that are two different things.

The fact is that if you never take any time for yourself, you’ll burn out, and that’s going to affect your health and happiness even more. So why not take a perfect day to yourself and relax, have fun, and re-energize? It will help you more than you could know, and you’ll have a good time too. If that sounds like a great idea, here are some things you could do with your day to make it perfect. Read on to find out more.

Wake Up Early

If you want a day to relax, the idea of waking up early might sound like a bad idea when sleeping in might be something you don’t normally get to do, but if you wake up early, you can do more with your day, and you won’t feel guilty for wasting any time.

The best thing to do is to go to bed at a reasonable time the night before. In that case, it will be easier to wake up early, so plan ahead and make sure you get a good night’s sleep. Not only will you get more done, but you’ll feel healthy and energized too.

Do Something Fun

You don’t have to do anything at all on your day off when you have your home all to yourself, but if there’s something fun that you do want to do, this is the perfect opportunity to do it. You might want to go and see a movie that none of your friends and family are interested in, or perhaps you want to go for a walk in the woods and enjoy nature in peace and quiet. Maybe you want to rent a luxury car in Montreal and go for a drive in the city, enjoying the fact that you’re doing something just for you that you’ll look back on and feel happy about in years to come.

Whether you do nothing at all or you plan a day of activities, just make sure you’re enjoying what you do and that you’re not getting overwhelmed and stressed, or the good you did by taking some time to yourself will quickly be undone again, and you’ll be back to square one.

Disconnect From Technology

As tempting as it might be to spend time on your day off scrolling through social media or checking emails, try to resist and do anything else instead. Social media can be fun and even good for business, but it can also be bad for people’s mental health, so disconnecting and doing other things is a much better option.

When you’re not constantly distracted by notifications and worrying about missing out on things that other people are doing, you’ll be able to enjoy the present moment much more. When you’re more mindful – which is what enjoying the present moment means – you’ll become less stressed and more relaxed, and your day off will be worthwhile.

Please visit: Men Style Fashion for more articles like this.

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By: Men Style Fashion
Title: How To Have The Perfect Day For Yourself
Sourced From: www.menstylefashion.com/how-to-have-the-perfect-day-for-yourself/
Published Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:31:33 +0000

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Jason Harris

I’m Jason, and I write for ValleyNewspaper.com!

I love to travel and enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking or working remotely from quaint little coffee shops.

The best thing about the blog for me is the ability to discuss anything, from personal life to current events.

I enjoy spending time with my Wife, 2 boys, and my Pug, Patty. I love traveling and speaking at social media events.

If you want to know anything else, ask!

The beginning of the 2020s saw people spending more time at home than ever before. The pandemic shone a spotlight on the clothes we wore while lounging around the house, and if you’re anything like us, you probably realised just how much time you spend slumped across the sofa in the same old moth-bitten sweater and gym shorts.

Lockdown is now (thankfully) well behind us, but it has left in its wake a newfound appreciation for good-quality loungewear, and an understanding that the clothes you wear behind closed doors are every bit as important as the ones that venture out of the house.

Chilling at home is an important part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle, and having some decent garments to do it in makes it all the more enjoyable. We’re talking comfy, cosy pieces that feel great to wear, but that won’t leave you looking like a complete slob when you have to nip out to the shop or greet the pizza guy at the door.

Here are the key pieces you might want to consider.

Dressing Gown/Bathrobe

There are few pleasures in life greater than swaddling yourself in a gigantic fuzzy dressing gown to drink your coffee on a lazy Sunday morning.

You can throw this thing on in the absence of clothes when you emerge from the shower. You can pop it on over your PJs while you shuffle around the kitchen eating toast. You can even spend an entire day in it, nesting on the sofa, surrounded by calorific snacks on a day off.

A good bathrobe is the perfect partner for all of these situations and more, so make sure to arm yourself with a good one in a cosy towelling fabric. Some of our favourites come from Derek Rose, Missoni Home and The White Company.

Drawstring Pants

A good pair of drawstring pants is one of our favourite style cheat codes. They allow you to enjoy the comfort and practicality of a pair of pyjama trousers or jogging bottoms while masquerading as something much smarter.

This makes them perfect for days spent around the house when it may not be appropriate to go full goblin mode, such as when WFH.

Check out the 24 Trousers from L’Estrange – one of our favourite options in this category.

Cashmere Jumper

Investment pieces aren’t usually part of the conversation when it comes to loungewear. That’s understandable. After all, who wants to pump a big chunk of their cash into something that’s never going to see the light of day?

But that’s where a cashmere jumper is different. This is one of the few pieces that can seamlessly transition from Netflix binge to formal function.

It’s comfy and cosy for lounging around, but it’s also luxurious and smart enough to team up with tailoring. And it’ll happily do everything in between those two extremes too.

Boxy Hoodie

We’re staunch advocates of the importance of a good fit, but when it comes to loungewear, you don’t necessarily want everything to be tailored to perfection. There’s a time and a place for baggy, boxy, loose-fitting clothes, and that’s when you’re chilling at home.

A heavyweight boxy hoodie is perfect for throwing on while you’re nesting at the weekend or on cold evenings after work. Go for something plain and well made so it lasts.

We always recommend Camber. It’s a USA-based brand that specialises in heavy-duty blank tees and sweats, and it’s hoodies are some of the best in the game.

House Shoes

You should always take your shoes off when you’re in the house, unless they were specifically designed not to be. ‘House shoes’ is an admittedly pretty broad term that can include anything from slippers to clogs.

They’re what you put on to schlep around the kitchen or take the bins out, and they really came into their own during lockdown.

Birkenstock has a bit of a stranglehold on this market with the Boston, but take a look at other styles like Reeboks Beatnik or The North Face’s Tent Mule too.

Heavyweight Joggers

Don’t waste your money on sub-par sweatpants. If you want them to last and be as comfortable and cosy as possible, spend the extra cash and get a proper heavyweight pair.

Not only will they stack better on top of your best sneakers far more effectively than a flimsy pair, but they’ll be much better at keeping you warm in the winter months.

Again, take a look at what Camber has to offer in this department. Otherwise, Carhartt WIP and Reigning Champ make some stylish options.

Oversized T-shirts

We’ve established why boxy hoodies are great for chilling in, and that same logic applies to tees too. Baggy T-shirts are just comfier, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re lounging around at home.

Instead of buying ones that are a few sizes too big, you could opt for some deliberately slouchy tees like the ones from Uniqlo U, which have dropped shoulders and a wide fit, but still sit at the right length for your torso.

Merino Socks

Merino is a wonder fabric that insulates amazingly, wicks moisture and dries fast. It’s also super soft and comfortable, all of which makes it a prime candidate for socks.

Buy enough pairs to rotate and never look back.

Traditional Pyjama Set

The modern loungewear landscape is dominated by sweatpants, hoodies and crew necks, but a good old set of traditional PJs is still as good an option as ever, and something well worth arming yourself with if you like to save on your heating bill in the winter months.

Some of the brands making the best versions include Derek Rose, Hamilton + Hare, Desmond & Dempsey and CDLP.

Sweat Shorts

Sweatpants are comfy, but they might be a bit too warm for the summer. That’s where you’ll want a pair of sweat shorts. These stretchy bad boys are essentially cut-off joggers.

They’re made from the same comfortable fleece-backed jersey cotton and are perfect for chilling in the warmer months.

The post 10 Loungewear Pieces That Will Keep You Comfortable And Stylish appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

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By: Paddy Maddison
Title: 10 Loungewear Pieces That Will Keep You Comfortable And Stylish
Sourced From: www.apetogentleman.com/key-loungewear-pieces/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=key-loungewear-pieces
Published Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:00:56 +0000

Read More

Jason Harris

I’m Jason, and I write for ValleyNewspaper.com!

I love to travel and enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking or working remotely from quaint little coffee shops.

The best thing about the blog for me is the ability to discuss anything, from personal life to current events.

I enjoy spending time with my Wife, 2 boys, and my Pug, Patty. I love traveling and speaking at social media events.

If you want to know anything else, ask!

Whether you live for the festive cheer or find yourself counting down the days until summer returns, there’s no denying that winter brings with it a unique set of wardrobe opportunities. Depending on how clued-up of a dresser you are, this can either be an exciting opportunity to get creative with your outfits, or a frustrating period of sartorial confusion.

Here at Ape, it’s our yearly job to guide you through the seasonal uncertainty, enabling you to master cold-weather dressing. With well over a decade of experience following the latest trends, geeking out over classic menswear, styling fashion-editorial photoshoots and immersing ourselves in the world of men’s style, we’ve picked up our fair share of seasonally appropriate sartorial lessons that we’re keen to pass on. Hopefully, they will help to demystify winter style for you and make putting a cohesive wardrobe together that little bit easier.

So, if you’re struggling to make the leap from simple summer outfits to more complex cold-weather style, follow these proven lessons to get yourself on track. From buying the right boots to harnessing the power of texture, here’s everything you need to know.

Think In Terms Of Texture

Developing an understanding of different textures and how they interplay with one another is the best way to take your winter outfits from zero to hero. Tactile fabrics can liven up your everyday looks, giving them depth and personality.

You can use them as a subtle alternative to colour when it comes to creating contrast within your outfits, and when you get really good at it, you’ll even be able to create interesting tonal outfits that don’t lean on bold colours or obnoxious patterns to stand out.

Some key textured fabrics you should be working into your winter wardrobe include thick-pile fleece, cord, wool and flannel. The thicker and cosier, the better.

Buy A Seasonally Appropriate Fragrance

Cold weather saps sillage like nothing else. Fragrances that felt punchy and long-lasting in the summer months may find themselves withering and lost in the frosty winter air. This is why deeper, richer scents are better suited to this time of the year.

We think every man should have at least two signature fragrances: one for summer and one for winter. Where your summer fragrance should be bright, floral, zesty and effervescent, your winter one should be dark, smoky, leathery or woody.

Oud-based fragrances are some of our favourites for tackling the cold weather. They tend to be rich and heavy, which is perfect for cutting through the cold.

Invest In Some Proper Boots

There are a few key pieces it’s worth investing good money into where winter is concerned. For us, a proper pair of boots is right at the top of this list. Buy well, and you’ll be able to wear them for many years to come, resoling and repairing them whenever they need it. The best part is, like with a quality pair of raw denim jeans, they’ll only get better with age.

For maximum longevity and wearability, we always recommend going for something leather with a Goodyear welt. This way you’re good for all weather conditions, and any half-decent cobbler will be able to slap a new sole on for you when the time comes.

A few of our favourite brands in this category include Red Wing, Grenson, Danner and R.M. Williams.

And A Proper Coat

A well-made, versatile winter coat is right up there with a proper pair of boots when it comes to cold-weather wardrobe investments. You’ll want to choose something that matches your personal style, while ensuring it’s warm, durable and can be worn in a number of different ways to get the most out of your money.

Several different outerwear styles work well here, but for us it comes down to either an insulated parka or a classic heavy wool overcoat. Both of these styles are extremely versatile, warm and timeless, with the former offering slightly more in terms of weather protection. Both coats can be worn with anything from tracksuits to tailoring, and if you buy well it could last you for life.

For parkas, check out the likes of Canada Goose, Beams Plus, Nigel Cabourn and Private White V.C., and for overcoats try Mackintosh, A.P.C. Acne Studios, Asket and Reiss.

Denim Should Be Dark

Light-wash denim is great, but it works best in the spring and summer. For winter wear, dark colours are the way to go, which is why we think every man should own a quality pair of indigo jeans as we head into the cold, dark months.

Raw denim can be stiff, heavy and uncomfortable at first, but it will conform to the contours of your body over time and develop interesting fades unique to you and your lifestyle. We’d suggest going for a pair from a well-established Japanese or American brand and wearing them day in, day out.

If you’re strapped for cash, Uniqlo makes some cheap-and-cheerful selvedge jeans that look the business and cost under £50.

Accessorise Accordingly

Ditch the baseball cap and tote bag, and embrace the change of season with some winter-appropriate accessories. We’re talking beanies, scarves, gloves and anything else that will help to add a little flair to your winter outfits.

As far as gloves, scarves and beanies go, why not invest in at least one cashmere item? Accessories are the perfect vehicles for bringing a touch of this famously extravagant fabric into your wardrobe without breaking the bank, and you can wear it with pretty much everything.

Incorporate Patterns & Bold Colours Sparingly

Bold colours and jazzy patterns can make your winter looks pop, but it’s important not to overdo it. Clashing colours and mismatched prints can be headache-inducing, and are a dead giveaway that you don’t know what you’re doing.

If you want to look put together, the best way to work a bit of colour into any given outfit is to stick to one bold piece per look. If you’re wearing a brightly coloured beanie, for example, keep the jacket, pants and shoes neutral and understated. Or if you’re styling an intricately patterned sweater, make sure there aren’t any other statement pieces fighting it for attention.

Don’t Neglect Your Knitwear

Knitwear is a well-dressed man’s best friend when the temperature takes a nosedive. It looks great, it’s warm and it’s perfect for layering up.

There are so many different knitted garments to choose from, but if you’re starting from scratch, we’d recommend going for a simple crew neck sweater and a cardigan. These are two classic pieces with huge layering potential, and you can make them as timeless or as trendy as you like depending on the fabrics, colours and patterns you choose.

To keep it classic, stick to neutral block colours in lambswool, merino or cashmere. Or for something more ‘of the moment’, go for mohair in a dark floral print.

Layer Creatively

Winter style is all about layering, but don’t feel like you have to stick to the time-honoured template of coat > crew neck > T-shirt. There’s a whole world of cool layering-friendly pieces out there just waiting to be styled, so think outside of the box and give your cold-weather looks some individuality.

Garments like gilets, sweater vests, roll necks, mock necks, quarter zips, oversized hoodies and collarless jackets are all fantastic for wrapping up in style, so play around with some different silhouettes and see what works for you.

The post 9 Men’s Style Tips That Will Upgrade Your Winter Outfits appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

—————————————-
By: Paddy Maddison
Title: 9 Men’s Style Tips That Will Upgrade Your Winter Outfits
Sourced From: www.apetogentleman.com/mens-winter-style-lessons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mens-winter-style-lessons
Published Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:00:16 +0000

Read More

Jason Harris

I’m Jason, and I write for ValleyNewspaper.com!

I love to travel and enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking or working remotely from quaint little coffee shops.

The best thing about the blog for me is the ability to discuss anything, from personal life to current events.

I enjoy spending time with my Wife, 2 boys, and my Pug, Patty. I love traveling and speaking at social media events.

If you want to know anything else, ask!